National Pecan Pie Day – July 12

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National Pecan Pie Day – July 12

(CNN) — Go nuts – July 12 is National Pecan Pie Day!

Did you know that pecans contain zinc, which boosts testosterone, which is the reason people think oysters are aphrodisiacs? We bet you’re in the mood for a slice now!

Not just for Thanksgiving, pecan pie is a Southern staple for good reason. There’s nothing quite like the smell of its warm, buttery crust and gooey, nutty center coming out of the oven. Just because pecan trees are found in the South, doesn’t mean you need a passport to make this pie.

The origin of the pecan pie is a little flaky. Some say the French substituted pecans in their pies while conquering New Orleans. Others say the syrup company Karo first published the recipe. Whatever the history, its well-deserved spot on your windowsill has been there for decades.

Most pecan pie recipes call for a mix of eggs, butter, sugar, vanilla, salt and syrup or molasses poured into a pastry shell. Adding melting chocolate or bourbon are popular variations of the classic. Regardless, a scoop of fresh vanilla ice cream is always a welcome addition.